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Life from the UpSide: Seeing God at Work in the World
by J. Ellsworth Kalas"I confess that I am an unreconstructed optimist. Not a naive one; I’ve lived too long for that, long enough to have experienced a resounding case for pessimism. I have vivid memories of the Great Depression, and I’ve lived through several wars and those international anomalies that we call police actions. I’ve watched what has seemed to me to be a rather steady decline in both public and private morals, and a growing confusion about ethics. And of course, I’ve watched the increasing prevalence of both evil and inanity (sometimes they’re synonymous) in television and on the Internet." from the Introduction But: There is God. And because there is God, there is goodness. I profoundly believe that God is at work in our world and that our planet has not yet been written off as a lost cause. History seems to tell me that though our human race appears so often to dedicate itself to its own destruction, God is always at work, usually, I think, behind the scenes. And because of God, faith, love, and goodness keep being reborn. So I write about Life from the Up Side.Twelve sessions: On Being Born with a Rusty Spoon: For those who’ve had a bad start When Life Is at January: Who knows what wonders lie ahead? A Woman Who Lived with Scorn: For those who suffer rejection close at hand Don’t Blame the Donkey! Capitalize on your adversity When You’ve Been Given a Bad Name: Don’t let others define you Color Her Moses: Never give up. Never. Plot for a Life: More than success Party Gone Flat: What to do when life loses its flavor Suppose You’re Worth More Than You Think You Are: It’s time you calculated your worth How Wide Is a Boat? Gladness is nearer than you think Strange Victory: The gains in our losses The View from Mount Nebo: And then, there is heaven
Anonymous - Women's Bible Study Preview Book: Discovering the Somebody You Are to God
by Cindi WoodThis pocket-size book provides a snapshot of some of the "anonymous" women of the Bible who made a significant impact in God’s story. Based on the Bible study Anonymous: Discovering the Somebody You Are to God.
The Teaming Church: Ministry in the Age of Collaboration
by Robert C. CrosbyA committee is not the same thing as a team.To become a great team, a group must have a goal that is deeply challenging, a leader who is creatively empowering, and a willingness to work within a collaborative community that honors the Bible.The Bible is full of examples of great things accomplished through teaming leaders. Scripture also provides a compelling model from which church communities and teams can learn to live and serve in light of the "Divine Team" - the Trinity. Author Robert C. Crosby provides several innovative ways in which biblical teams reflect the workings and nature of the Trinity and thus the image of God.Revealing what he calls "The Four C's of Great Teams" - The Character, The Carrot, The Coach, and The Context - Crosby shows how successful teams reach their goals more effectively. Conversely, he also addresses the "Four Fatal Teaming Errors" and how to avoid unnecessary, time-consuming missteps.This book provides biblical motivations, vivid examples, and practical approaches for creating a teaming culture in any faith community. Crosby, a leader who has built teams as a senior pastor, youth leader, and university administrator, is now training and mentoring a new generation of pastors and leaders.
Actuality: Real Life Stories for Sermons That Matter (The Artistry of Preaching Series)
by Scott HoezeePreachers need stories. Stories, examples, and illustrations bring sermons to life. But what sort of stories work best to communicate the gospel for listeners today?In Actuality, discover why the best sermon illustrations come from real life, from the actual experiences of trouble and grace in your own life as a preacher and in the lives of your congregants. Learn how to find those stories and how to use them. Author Scott Hoezee demonstrates new story-sharing techniques with multiple examples and clear, practical guidance which is useful and instructive for every preacher who seeks to bring new vitality to the pulpit.
Punching Holes in the Dark: Living in the Light of the World
by Robert BensonWe do not, and cannot, by definition, know much about the kingdom to come. But the "One Who Came Among Us" not only came to reassure us of the gift of the kingdom that is yet unseen but to proclaim the presence of the kingdom is already among us—even when we cannot see it and we cannot hear it. Sometimes we cannot see much evidence of the kingdom that is already here. How do we find it, not lose sight of it, and even share its message of hope with others in the darkness? In Punching Holes in the Dark, author Robert Benson helps us discover strength in the gifts of the Spirit and encourages us all to start punching holes—as hard as we can, as often as we can—to let the Light of the world sneak i
Earthy Mysticism: Spirituality for Unspiritual People
by Tex SampleThis book, says the author, is “a testimony of narratives where [a] strange God appears. Such appearances supply the mystical states that have come to shape my life. I am not helped much by conventional approaches to spirituality. I find it almost impossible to do ‘devotions.’ Daily Bible study in the sense of devoting twenty to thirty minutes a day never worked for me. I cannot get around to scheduled times for prayer on my knees with head bowed. I find labyrinths and prayer beads boring. I am ever and again distracted in silent meditation. I simply cannot sustain a spirituality based in such things. “I do not regard myself as unusual or special. My hunch, and it is more than that, is that a host of people will recognize themselves in what I describe here. What is here is, clearly, my story, but it is not about me. It is about a God of surprises, of One who comes in the ordinary and the seamy. It is about a God who will goose you. It is about mystical moments when clearly the only thing that finally matters is this God who will never leave us alone, especially in the ordinary and angular places of life. It is, I hope, a spirituality for unspiritual people.”From the Circuit Rider review: "Tex Sample’s new book, Earthy Mysticism: Spirituality for Unspiritual People, simultaneously says a whole lot and very little about the subject of mysticism. The word “mysticism” itself only shows up in the introduction and the last chapter, bracketing the book with a concept that Sample doesn’t fully define or even directly reflect on the meaning of. That being said, Sample never claims to be writing a scholarly view of what mysticism might be, but instead attempts to show how one can recognize the presence of the holy in everyday life. In this he succeeds powerfully." (Click here to read the entire review.)
Genesis to Revelation: A Comprehensive Verse-by-Verse Exploration of the Bible (Genesis to Revelation series)
by Robert E. LuccockThe study of the Book of Matthew follows Jesus from his birth through his life to his death and resurrection. Some of the major ideas explored are: dreams, do not fear, Lord help me, write your own parable, and this cup is My blood of the covenant.More than 3.5 million copies of the series have been sold.This revision of the Abingdon classic Genesis to Revelation Series is a comprehensive, verse-by-verse, book-by-book study of the Bible based on the NIV. These studies help readers strengthen their understanding and appreciation of the Bible by enabling them to engage the Scripture on three levels: What does the Bible say? Questions to consider while reading the passage for each session. What does the passage mean? Unpacks key verses in the selected passage. How does the Scripture relate to my life? Provides three major ideas that have meaning for our lives today. The meaning of the selected passages are made clear by considering such aspects as ancient customs, locations of places, and the meanings of words.The meaning of the selected passages are made clear by considering such aspects as ancient customs, locations of places, and the meanings of words. The simple format makes the study easy to use. Includes maps and glossary with key pronunciation helps.Updates will include: New cover designs. New interior designs. Leader Guide per matching Participant Book (rather than multiple volumes in one book). Updated to 2011 revision of the New International Version Translation (NIV). Updated references to New Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible. Include biblical chapters on the contents page beside session lesson titles for at-a-glance overview of biblical structure. Include larger divisions within the contents page to reflect macro-structure of each biblical book. Ex: Genesis 1-11; Genesis 12-50; Exodus 1-15; Exodus 16-40; Isaiah 1-39; Isaiah 40-66.The simple format makes the study easy to use. Each volume is 13 sessions and has a separate leader guide.
Jesus vs. Caesar: For People Tired of Serving the Wrong God
by Joerg RiegerWhen we observe a tension between Jesus and Caesar, we acknowledge that a fundamental tension remains at the heart of Christianity. When this tension is poorly understood, Christians face disastrous consequences. The tension is not between religion and atheism or secularism. Nor is it between organized religion and personal spirituality. The tension is located within the heart of Christianity itself because it is a radical conflict between true and false forms of Christian faith. Jesus embodies and exposes this tension in ways that illuminate both how God is with us and what must change for a world that participates in God’s life. This book serves as an indictment of the pieties of empire, whether government, corporate or any other forms of the faith that dominate and exclude. One form of Christian faith (Jesus) versus another form of Christian faith (Caesar). Whom and what will we trust and serve? What did Jesus disclose to the religious, economic, and political worlds of Israel and Rome?This tension between true and false forms of religion is also deeply rooted in the Jewish traditions. The Hebrew prophets were gravely concerned about established forms of Jewish religion that appear to be respectable but result in oppression. The prophet Isaiah hears the voice of God pronouncing judgment: "You serve your own interest on your fast day, and oppress all your workers" (Isaiah 58:3). True religion loosens "the bonds of injustice" (Isa 58:6) while self-serving religion is false religion.This tension between true religion and false religion is a critical opportunity for those who would follow Jesus instead of "Caesar."
Confronting the Controversies: A Christian Responds to the Tough Issues
by Adam Hamilton Sally D. SharpeChristians are faced every day with daunting choices between difficult alternatives. What does my Christian faith have to say about the moral issues that divide our society? There are plenty of people on opposite sides of the spectrum claiming to know the will of God in these matters. It is nonetheless very difficult to find help in looking at both sides of these ethical questions and applying the biblical witness to arrive at an authentically Christian belief about them. This is precisely what Adam Hamilton proposes to do. Presented as a collection of sermons, Confronting the Controversies includes euthanasia, assisted suicide, creationism, abortion, and homosexuality. Scrupulously fair to both the positions of each side and their motivations for holding them, Hamilton offers clear, concise information on what is at stake in these explosive issues. Hamilton applies a careful, broad reading of Scripture to offer direct yet compassionate guidance on what a faithful Christian response will be. This book is set up for group study, with discussion questions at the end of each chapter.
Cultivating Fruitfulness: Five Weeks of Prayer and Practice for Congregations
by Robert SchnaseFocus on the Five Practices: A Congregation-Wide InitiativeBased on the book, Five Practices of a Fruitful Congregation by Bishop Robert SchnaseImagine a congregation-wide focus on these practices that includes a five week sermon series, five weeks with every household reading daily devotions and sharing prayers on these practices, five weeks of leadership teams and small groups stimulated to take new initiatives, five weeks of conversation and commitment focused on the mission of the church. These are the practices that lead to excellence and fruitfulness, and they can change your church. Imagine! Cultivating Fruitfulness is a congregational resource that inspires participants through 5 weeks of prayer and devotion. Each day includes a Scripture, a short story or concept from book, a personal question and a prayer. Click here to preview a sample devotion from Cultivating Fruitfulness.Download a brochure on all available Five Practices products. Other resources for the "Focus on the Five Practices: Congregation-Wide Initiative":Five Practices Leader Manual and MediaA participant guide for group study on each of the Five PracticesFive Practices — Radical HospitalityFive Practices — Passionate WorshipFive Practices — Intentional Faith DevelopmentFive Practices — Risk-taking Mission and ServiceFive Practices — Extravagant GenerosityFocus on the Five Practices - Complete SetContains one of each of the above resources, including the original book by Bishop Schnase.For more information on the entire intiative, go to fivepractices.cokesbury.com.
Responsible Grace: John Wesley's Practical Theology (Kingswood Ser.)
by Randy L. MaddoxOf special focus in this reflective overview of Wesley's theological convictions is highlighting the practical-theological dynamics of Wesley's work and suggesting possible implications for contemporary attempts to recover theology as a practical discipline. Another distinctive focus of this work is a systematic consideration of the integration of theological emphases traditionally divergent in Eastern and Western Christianity. The author also closely examines the consistency of Wesley's thought throughout his career.
The Christian Year: A Guide for Worship and Preaching
by Robin Knowles WallaceIn this concise guide, Dr. Knowles Wallace gives practical worship and preaching suggestions for each season of the Christian year as it relates to the Revised Common Lectionary. She describes the unique features and colors of each season as well as its historical overview, theological grounding, and significance for faith formation. The Church Year gives ways to draw upon the gifts of existing congregations while seeking to expand their witness and faith formation.The author walks the reader through each season, beginning with Advent, followed by Christmas, Epiphany, Ordinary Time in Light of Epiphany, Lent, Palm Sunday to Holy Saturday, Easter through Pentecost, and Ordinary Time as People of the Resurrection, giving sample services with suitable lectionary readings, hymns, prayers, and spatial and visual suggestions for each season in either traditional or contemporary worship styles.
Holy Love: A Biblical Theology for Human Sexuality
by Steve HarperDo conservatives or progressives "own" the teachings about what the Bible says about human sexuality and marriage? For some—perhaps a vocal minority—the question is no longer up for debate or discussion: conservatives win. For others, the issues are not that simple. A fresh, rigorous, but yet concise, theological examination of the Bible’s teachings is required. There are other ways to interpret scripture faithfully with respect to sexuality other than the conservative interpretation.In Holy Love, Steve Harper strives to articulate the truth about the teachings of the Bible and Wesleyan tradition on human sexuality. This very accessible book is intended for church leaders, small groups, and those interested in understanding the Bible’s teaching on this fundamental component of human life, experience and relationships. The book will help church leaders and small groups make the constructive case that biblical, Christian teaching is compatible with faithful, covenantal love and intimacy amidst all sexual orientations.
Mission: An Essential Guide (Essential Guides Ser.)
by Carlos F. Cardoza-Orlandi"Mission" has become, for many North American Christians, an ambiguous and often uncomfortable term. To many it brings to mind a past in which western culture was identified with the gospel in missionary practice and programs. Distressed with this history and uncertain about how to overcome it, many prefer to ignore the New Testament mandate that the church must be in mission if it is to be the church. Others swing the other way, declaring that everything the church does is mission, depriving the idea of mission of its power to define those specific actions of God which proclaim the gospel and build God's kingdom. "The church exists by missions, just as fire exists by burning." With these words of Emil Brunner, the author reminds us that to be the church is to be in mission. After describing the various "captivities of mission" which plague North American Christianity, the author argues for a robust and engaged practice of mission, beginning in congregations and extending to the broader community.
Finding Jesus in the Psalms Leader Guide: A Lenten Journey
by Barb RooseA meaningful encounter with Jesus and the Psalms through the season of Lent with Barb Roose.Barb Roose guides the reader through a meaningful encounter with the Psalms through the season of Lent. Combining an interpretation of the psalms with real life stories, the study moves through the familiar words of Psalm 23 toward the painful cries of Psalm 22 uttered by Jesus on the cross. The study includes reflections on the life of King David and the original context of the writings, along with connections between the psalms and the life and death of Jesus the Messiah.“The Psalms provide a perfect framework for experiencing Lent through the verses that were Jesus’s own scriptures, offering both him and us strength and wisdom in a painful and redemptive season. The Book of Psalms hums with the heartbeat of our humanity with divinely inspired words that find purchase in the tenderest places in our hearts when our human words or wisdom fails us.” Barb RooseThe Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the six-week study, including session plans, activities, discussion questions, and multiple format options.
Finding Bethlehem in the Midst of Bedlam Leader Guide: An Advent Study (Finding Bethlehem In The Midst Of Bedlam Ser.)
by James W. Moore Joseph CroweChristmas or confusion, Bethlehem or bedlam . . . Which will you choose this year? The truth is, we don’t have to choose, because Christmas always happens right in the midst of our chaos. God breaks into our noisy disorder and is made known in Jesus Christ. Christmas and confusion—weren’t they intimately related at the first Christmas when Jesus was born? Sometimes we forget that. That’s what this study is about—how Christ breaks into our chaos and confusion and brings Christmas—how Bethlehem always happens in the midst of bedlam. The re-introduction of this all-church Advent study, which features a new Leader Guide and DVD, has five sessions—one for each Sunday of Advent and one for Christmas. Each chapter includes questions for reflection and discussion, a brief prayer, a focus for the week, and six daily Bible readings for personal devotional time during the week. The Leader Guide is designed to be used alongside the DVD. It will enable a small group leader to facilitate a weekly discussion about Finding Bethlehem in the Midst of Bedlam using the five DVD sessions as its starting point. Questions and activities will guide group participants to discuss and understand each chapter in greater depth. The DVD and Leader Guide are not a substitute for the book, but a guide for discussing the book in small groups.
The Holy Spirit
by William H. Willimon Stanley HauerwasDo you realize what baptism really means?Through the Holy Spirit we become part of the Body of Christ! The workof the Spirit is often thought of as "inspirational," but it’s more thana personal experience and this book challenges some of thoseindividualistic and subjectivist accounts. You’ll come to understandthat the Holy Spirit is who God is and what God does as the Trinity. Andyou’ll learn how to prayerfully embrace this gift that created thechurch and become empowered to live out holy love and friendship in theworld."Hauerwas and Willimonare among the most reliable teachers of the church. Ours is a time whenfaithful teaching is urgent in the church that is compromised,bewildered and domesticated. This study by these trustworthy teachers onthe Holy Spirit is a robust affirmation of the way in which core claimsmade concerning God’s Spirit matter concretely in the life of thechurch. This book is an invitation to fresh learning, to repentance, andto the recovery of missional nerve."-Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary"Fortoo long many Christians have neglected the Holy Spirit; some even fearthe Holy Spirit. Hauerwas and Willimon challenge them to rediscover theComforter, the Advocate, for the renewal of the Christian church andthe world. This is a welcome and much needed corrective to commonChristian forgetfulness of the Spirit."-Roger E. Olson, FoyValentine Professor of Christian Theology and Ethics, George W. TruettTheological Seminary, Baylor University"The Holy Spirit is toooften considered the junior partner of the Trinity. Therefore, this bookby two eminent churchmen is a cause for celebration, reminding us ofthe importance and vitality of an orthodox view of God's Spirit."-TonyJones, author of Did God Kill Jesus? andtheologian-in-residence atSolomon’s Porch in Minneapolis. He teaches theology at FullerTheological Seminary and United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities."Whenthese two long-time theologian-friends and disciples of Jesus, gatherin a room to write, you can be sure that you will hear a sound of arushing mighty wind, feel the heat of holy fire, and be ignited bydynamite on the page as you read. Whether it be theTrinity, Pentecost,holiness, or the last things, this is not just another book, this isliterary bread from heaven fed to you by anointed servants of the HolySpirit. Take, eat and be filled with the Spirit of Christ!"-Luke A. Powery, Dean of the Chapel and Associate Professor of Homiletics, Duke UniversityThisengaging and accessible pneumatological overview,written by two leadingvoices of theological wisdom and church renewal, is a richcollaborative discussion, which weaves together poignant andwide-ranging doctrinal insight (from the historic creeds, to theWesleyan heritage, to contemporary Pentecostalism), punctuated byperceptive liturgical applications, fresh biblical expositions,memorable testimonial observations, and passionate pastoral appeals –all driving toward the earnest prayer of its authors, "Come, HolySpirit!"-Rickie D. Moore, Associate Dean of the School of Religion, Professor of Old Testament, Lee University
Abingdon New Testament Commentaries: 1, 2, & 3 John (Abingdon New Testament Commentaries)
by David RensbergerAfter years of close contact with the Johannine epistles, David Rensberger discusses the numerous puzzles--linguistic, literary, and historical--that characterize these brief texts. His comments on their theological and ethical significance illumines the meaning and interrelationship of faith and love. In short, Rensberger skillfully demonstrates that despite the Johannine epistles' existence on the periphery of the New Testament canon, they nevertheless touch on the heart of its message.Inquiry includes relationship of these epistles to the gospel of John, Christology, Dualism, Eschatology, the Church, and Salvation.
Thriving in the Second Chair: Ten Practices for Robust Ministry (When You're Not in Charge)
by Mike BonemSecond chair leaders play a critical role in churches across the world. They serve in paid and unpaid capacities, and include laity, ordained clergy, bivocational, licensed local pastors and others who lead significant ministries, but who are not the lead or senior pastor.Mike Bonem, author of Leading from the Second Chair, takes that important work to the next level, with Thriving in the Second Chair. Here, Bonem points readers beyond their external circumstances to the ways they can act and think differently. He highlights ten key factors that will help second chair leaders do more than just survive. These deep "springs" will enable them to thrive, so that their lives and ministries are fulfilling, vital, and sustainable.The first three springs relate to the single most important professional relationship for any second chair leader – their relationship with the first chair. The next four look at some of the most common and essential aspects of the secondchair’s job. The final three springs are arguably the deepest and most important. They enable second chairs to thrive even if they’re struggling with the first seven. These three springs offer help for staying spiritually anchored, overcoming loneliness, and becoming re-energized.
Immersion Bible Studies: Psalms
by Prof. J. Clinton McCann JR.Imagine a life of true happiness, a life of complete honesty with God. Through this study of the Scriptures, you learn how to live a life of gratitude while producing actions that honor God. Easy-to-follow, step-by-step suggestions for leading a group are provided as well as questions to facilitate class discussion. This eight-week volume is part of the Immersion Bible Studies series. Inspired by a fresh translation, the Common English Bible (CEB), Immersion stands firmly on Scripture and helps you explore the emotional, spiritual, and intellectual needs of your personal faith. Whether you are using the CEB or another translation, Immersion will offer new insights into God’s Word, your own life, and your life with God. Psalms features eight sessions.
CLIMB Higher: Reaching New Heights in Giving and Discipleship
by Kristine Miller Scott McKenzieCLIMB challenges the negative connotations associated with "stewardship" and invites congregations to completely change the conversation around this critically important topic. Instead of talking about the needs of the church budget, CLIMB suggests a discovery of your congregation s compelling vision for ministry. Instead of selecting your stewardship leaders by default, CLIMB encourages the development of strong leadership through setting clear and challenging expectations. CLIMB involves changing the entire culture of your congregation to one of gratitude, where conversations revolve around sharing God's abundance rather than holding on fearfully. CLIMB encourages the sharing of ministry stories rather than pledging to a budget. And, finally, CLIMB asserts that if you truly believe expressing generosity results in a deeper connection to God, you have no choice but to boldly ask others to become more generous givers.
Small on Purpose: Life in a Significant Church
by Lewis A. ParksSmall on Purpose: Life in a Significant Church is a joyful andhonest look at the kingdom-enriching characteristics of smallcongregations. Lewis Parks demonstrates how to see and build upon thosestrengths. His premise is not better/worse. Instead, Parks shows us howlife in a small congregation is profoundly significant and the importantrole these churches play. This book includes clear instructions on howleaders can streamline ministry to maximize the unique and powerfulcontributions small churches make in their communities. This book isinspiring and practical, a refreshing point of view for the church andchurch leaders."Small on Purpose reimagines what it means to be acongregation of ninety, sixty, or thirty by not focusing on size. Iespecially appreciate Lewis Parks’s attention to why ‘soul care’ iscritical for congregations under 150 as a means of discipleship andoutreach. Parks sees soul care as a countercultural act that createsmeaning for many who are seeking family-like relationships. This bookchallenges all congregations to take seriously the small things they aredoing—like soul care—as a compelling way to move into the future." —F.Douglas Powe Jr., Managing Director for The Institute for CommunityEngagement, Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington DC; author of NewWine, New Wineskins and Not Safe for Church from Abingdon Press"LewisParks writes with pitch-perfect tone about the life of small churches.He appeals to the experience of smaller congregations as gatheringplaces of worship and service. There he sees signs of the Spirit moving,of tradition revivified through song and word, of pastoral care sharedacross a congregation. Above all, he offers transformative words andperspectives with which small churches can claim their distinctivewitness." —Thomas Edward Frank, University Professor and Chair of theDepartment of History, Wake Forest College, Wake Forest University,Winston-Salem, NC"In a time when the culture is becoming moreand more individualistic, Lew Parks strikes a chord for the great valueof the gathered community of faith that is strengthened week by weekthrough their faithfulness to the gospel and to one another. Gather inyour small church and read this together. Your life and your communitywill be enriched." —Bill McAlilly, Bishop, Nashville Area EpiscopalOffice, The United Methodist Church
Journey 101: Knowing God, Loving God, Serving God: Steps to the Life God Intends (Journey 101)
by Carol Cartmill Ben Simpson Michelle Kirby Jeff KirbyDaily Readings adds dimension to Journey 101 , a three-part basic faith study designed to teach what it means to know, love, and serve God. Daily Readings is the perfect companion resource for the program that provides short devotional readings, Scripture, prayer, and stories.
The Abingdon Preaching Annual 2024: Planning Sermons for Every Sunday of the Year
by Charley ReebThe local pastor’s go-to resource for weekly sermon planning.The Abingdon Preaching Annual 2024 is lectionary-based and follows the calendar year (January - December). It includes special days like Maundy Thursday and Ash Wednesday, and indexes for scriptures and themes, to assist preachers with non-lectionary sermons.Each entry begins with a preacher-to-preacher prayer for preparation, then moves to the key feature: a commentary on one or more texts for the week, exploring themes and storylines, theological reflections, and thoughts about how the text and topic relate to our lives today. Also included are ideas for bringing the text to life--stories, illustrations, ideas for further reading, questions the preacher might pose to the congregation, and suggestions for a ‘call to action’ in response to the message.Finally, for the preacher’s ongoing enrichment, the Annual includes excerpts from new books on preaching and homiletics. This helpful resource is written by every-week preachers who aim to come alongside you, offering a reliable starting point for your sermonic planning, writing, and delivery.
Are You Fired Up or Burned Out?
by James W. MooreHave you ever felt a little bored, tired, or stressed about your lifeand even your faith? Haven’t we all? This "world weariness" can happento anyone. Yet Jesus came that we might have exciting, joyful, abundantlife! The question is… how?In Are You Fired Up or Burned Out?best-selling author James W. Moore explains how to move from fatigue tofavor. In short, encouraging, and practical chapters, you will learnhow to Recognize-Remember-Relax: Recognize your fatigue limit Remember your priorities Relax your soul in GodToday's busy world may bring a tiredness that cansettle on the human spirit. Struggling through hectic, frenzied,stressful lives, we scrape and scramble toward something that leavesus...empty...and feeling cheated, let down, and bone weary. God doesn’twant it to be that way for us. Find out how, with His help, you can stay excited,exhilarated, fulfilled, and truly fired up about life.